Nasiru Opayemi’s second half header was the difference as Blue Star stun Navy 1-0 in the second match of the triple header at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Coming into the match Navy were four points behind leaders Colombo FC having played two matches fewer while Blue Star recovered from the humiliating 6-0 loss to city rivals Super Sun to register a morale boosting 4-1 win over Thihariya Youth last week.
Speaking to ThePapare.com Navy SC coach Balendra Anthony was confident and was looking for the win even without a couple of their regulars.
“We are going for the win. Defense is our plan, which has worked for us throughout the tournament. We don’t want to go behind in the first 10-15 mins. Then we work our way from there. Unfortunately today my captain is benched. Two first team players are not playing but I have the players to replace them.” He added.
While Mohomed Hamsa, coach of Blue Star SC was pleased with their win against Thihariya Youth and admitted it was good for the morale of the team.
“Changing my plan for today’s match against Navy. Normally i play a 4-4-2 but today I have changed it to an attacking 4-3-3. I want to cover the middle of the pitch. After losing 6-0 we won against thihariya 4-1. Morale is good is with the players. Looking forward to the future matches. The past is past.” Hamsa mentioned.
Blue Star were up against the meanest defense in the league, with Navy having only conceded just six goals in 12 matches. Navy living up to their dominance this season had the majority of the possession and territory. Blue Star struggled to get their foot in, reduced to only defending but admirable kept their shape, led by their captain Mohomed Ramees and Nasiru Opayemi at center back.
The visitors had the ball in the back of the net from a fast break but the linesman deemed the Blue Star player offside. Navy first clear chance came when left back Tharindu Eranga’s raking diagonal ball found Chalana Chameera inside the box, who showed good control but Mohomed Risvi brilliantly saved the ball at his feet.
Mohomed Risan replaced Nafais early on and Risan would have broken the deadlock had it not been for a controversial offside decision by the linesman. Coach Hamsa was clearly incensed with that decision, showing his frustration at the fourth official. 
Though Navy had possession they were unable to create any opportunities, while Blue Star played on the counter attack. Navy closed down the pitch when they lost possession provind little room for Blue Star to play and played an exceptional offside trap. The first half ended with Navy’s Nalaka Roshan blasting a free kick over the crossbar.
Early in the second half Chathuranga Sanjeewa fired straight at the keeper from six yards out as Navy dominated ball without any success. Blue Star threatened with the little ball possession they had and in one such instance Ramees’s header graced the crossbar from close range.
In the 67th minute Nasiru Opayemi capped off a fine performance in defense with the only goal of the match. He got on the end of a Irfan cross at the near post and guided it past the diving Ajith Kumara sending the Blue Star fans into ecstasy.
Navy now having to chase the game stepped up their attack but Blue Star strengthened their defense frustrating the sailors. With minutes left Nalaka Roshan had his free kick saved at the far post.
“Winning is good for the team and as the coach I am happy. We came back good against the best team in the league. We showed we can and after that loss to Super Sun we got two important wins.” A jubilant Coach Hamsa told after the match.
“Counter attack was the plan. That’s what we did in the 2nd half. Referees gave two offside decisions which were clearly not. If we got those decisions we could have got two more goals.” He went on to say.
